In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, Elon Musk revealed that “promising” brain activity had been observed following a Neuralink procedure, and the patient was “recovering well…CONTINUE READING

The company’s overarching objective is to establish connections between human brains and computers to address intricate neurological conditions. Several competitors have also introduced similar devices.

According to Professor Anne Vanhoestenberghe of King’s College London, “For any company producing medical devices, the first test in humans is a significant milestone.

She acknowledged that while many companies are working on exciting products in the brain-computer interface field, only a few have successfully implanted devices in humans, placing Neuralink in a relatively small group.

Despite this progress, Professor Vanhoestenberghe cautioned that the true success of such interventions can only be determined over the long term, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach.

She noted Elon Musk’s proficiency in generating publicity for his company and emphasized the importance of independent verification for claims of this nature.

Among Neuralink’s contemporaries is École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, which enabled a paralyzed man to walk by utilizing electronic implants on his brain and spine.

These implants wirelessly communicated thoughts to his legs and feet, a breakthrough published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature in May 2023.

While Elon Musk claims have not been independently verified, and Neuralink has not disclosed procedural details, BBC News has reached out to both Neuralink and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comments.

Neuralink’s testing practices have faced scrutiny in the past, with reports of testing-related deaths of around 1,500 animals.

The FDA granted permission for human testing in May 2023, allowing Neuralink to conduct a six-year study involving the surgical placement of 64 flexible threads on a brain region controlling “movement intention.

The experimental implant, powered by a wirelessly chargeable battery, records and transmits brain signals to an app for decoding.

Elon Musk mentioned in another post on X that Neuralink’s initial product, Telepathy, aims to enable control of devices such as phones or computers through thought.

This technology could benefit individuals who have lost limb functionality. Musk envisions a future where Telepathy allows communication at speeds surpassing that of a professional typist or auctioneer, drawing inspiration from the late Stephen Hawking, who had motor neurone disease.

While Musk’s involvement elevates Neuralink’s profile, competitors with decades-long track records, such as Blackrock Neurotech and Precision Neuroscience, have also made significant strides in brain-computer interfaces.

Recent studies in the US utilizing implants to monitor brain activity during speech attempts showcase the potential of existing devices in facilitating communication for individuals with neurological challenges.